Multiple contact rotary and lineal switch



June 1, 1965 R. M. DYKsTERHoUsE 3,187,117

MULTIPLE CONTACT ROTARY AND LINEAL SWITCH Filed Jan. 25. 1962 'VIII/l E Ef] INVENTOR,

United States Patent O 3,187,117 MULTIPLE CONTACT ROTARY AND LINEAL SWITCH Robert M. Dyksterhouse, Charlevoix, Mich., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Circuit Controls Corporation,

Petoskey, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Filed Jan. 25, 1962, Ser. No. 168,680

6 Claims. (Cl. 20G-4) The present invention has reference to a new and useful electrical switch and more particularly to a rotating actuation detenting switch having provisions for axial movement therethrough without upsetting the switch actuation. More particularly the switch of the present invention is directed to a cage housing for selected radially positioned contacting posts, adjacent of said posts being selectively bridged by an interposed roller element which is spring biased into radial detenting relationship between adjacent selected of said posts and also in detenting points having no such contacting posts. The shaft rotating the positioning roller is keyed to the actuator rotor carrying the roller element and the shaft selectively causes rotation of the rotor. The shaft is also axially movable in respect to the actuator without disturbing the switch function. The switch is also unique in providing accommodation for Bowden wire connection to apparatus in operative association therewith while providing unique shaft attachment and movement stop limit provisions.

In heater structures for automobiles, trucks, and the like, the electrical equipment, for example high, low and ott blower settings must be selectively actuated in a detenting manner :and must be secure against vibration and shock disengagement in any selected position. In addition, associated equipment of a mechanical nature, for example, air ducting, varies and the like, require concurrent actuation from a single and common control station or knob. The present invention admits of structure to allow such common control in a single knob or lever capable of simultaneous push-pull control over mechanical actuation and rotational control over electrical circuits with adequate movement stop limit provisions in the switch structure against rotational and lineal overrun.

Accordingly the principal object of the present invention is to provide a switch of rotating and detenting selective type combined with structural provisions to allow axial movement through the switch case without interfering with the setting or selection of electrical contacting relationship.

Another object is to provide the switch as indicated in the principal object and including provisions in the switch structure for accommodating the mounting of mechanical components thereto.

In addition, an object is to provide unique and compact mounting means and stop means in the lineal actuation provisions of the switch so as to assure smooth independent or simultaneous rotational and axial movement and without damage to circuits or to mechanical movement as desired.

Other objects including economy of construction, excellent contacting characteristics, and compact single knob adaptability to dash panel mounting for automotive usage will be increasingly apparent to those skilled in the art as the description proceeds.

In the drawing:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the externals of the switch of the present invention and indicating its mechanical integration with a single control knob indicating an attached Bowden wire mechanism for lineal and rotational movement.

FIGURE 2 is `a side elevation View of the switch of the present invention partially cut away to reveal the 3,187,117 Patented .lune l, 1965 socketing arrangement for the Bowden wire mounting and indicating the case integrated shaft stop.

FIGURE 3 is an end elevation section view taken on the line III- III of FIGURE 2 and indicating the rotational relationship as between rotor and switch case.

FIGURE 4 is an end elevation view of the rotor as shown in the section view of FIGURE 3 and indicating the collet extensions flanking the cylindrical portion of the shaft and the flat of the shaft keying shaft to rotor and also indicating the resiliently backed roller carried in the rotor.

FIGURE 5 is an elevation view of the rotor in assembled relation between the case cover and case and showing the shaft in extension through the cover, rotor and case and indicating the flat on the shaft keying rotor to the shaft and the flat being provided with a rotor engaging upset in rotational clearance within the case, but in interference relationship with the rotor limiting one direction of axial shaft movement by engagement with the rotor.

FIGURE 6 is a perspective schematic view of the roller contact provisions and indicating selected bridging as between adjacent contactor posts.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary cross section detail and indicating the Bowden wire connection to the shaft and the socket provisions for retentive grip on the Bowden wire wrapping.

FIGURE 8 is a detail partial elevation view indicating the stop limit of axial travel in the shaft in one direction of lineal movement by rotor engagement.

FIGURE 9 is a perspective rear View of the switch case with Bowden wire disconnected and showing socket connectors extending therefrom.

General description In general, an elongate stepped cylindrical housing is provided in which a contacting rotor is positioned. Axially through the rotor and housing a shaft is provided which is keyed to the rotor but which rotates freely in the case or housing. The shaft is also movable axially of the case or housing without disturbing the positioning of the rotor. The rotor is maintained in fixed position on the case axis by a cover provided axially over the shaft and closing the open end of the housing or case. The rotor carries a resiliently biased contact member radially urged into contact with the cylindrical inner wall of the case or housing. On axes parallel to the axis of the rotor and case are terminal pins or posts in paired adjacent relationship. These pins partially extend into the case cavity so that the contact member is locatable in detenting manner, bridging the terminals to close a selected electrical circuit across selected adjacent pins. Plural pairs of these terminal pins are selectively provided in the case as well as radial detent pockets wherein the contactor is detentably retained against contact with the terminal pins. The stem portion of the case or housing is provided with an integral shaft stop against axial movement of the shaft in one direction. An upset on the shaft engageable with the rotor provides a suitable stop limiting axial movement of ythe shaft in the other direction. The stem and rotor are made from insulating material cast or otherwise formed to the desired shape.

The shaft is connected to a Bowden wire system for push-pull actuation of mechanical apparatus remotely located and not a part of the present invention. The connection is uniquely accomplished by passing an upset end of the core wire of the Bowden wire system axially through the stem end of the case and through an axial passage defined in the shaft. The core wire thus rests in a transverse passage through the shaft so that the upset end of the core wire once positioned in this manner, cannot be withdrawn when the coil wrapping of the Bowden ain-eter over the stem portion f3.

l wire system is press iitted to its receiving socket in the stem end of the case. Gn the other hand, before seating the coil winding in close coaxial relationship with the core wire end, the core wire is removed or inserted with ease.

As will be appreciated the terminal pins collaterally serve as mounting locators for tabular socket terminal extensions for simple integration with electrical circuits, particularly in the automotive field.

The resultant structure operates well in service allowing push-pull stop limited axial movement of the control shaft while concurrently permitting, selected detenting switch contact motion by rotation of the shaft. Neither lineal nor rotational movement is interrupted while one or the other control movements is imparted to the switch. The electrical contacting is excellent and by use of a resiliently backed roller the tangential rolling line cont-act as between contacting pins and roller is simple and eiicient so that detenting is accomplished with contacting selection. By molding case and rotor of material having good insulating dielectric characteristics the balance ot the structure is prepared from rugged conducting materials, many of which are available from stock with simple or no machining required.

Specific description Referring particularly to the drawing and with first reference to FrGURE l, Va switch lll in accord with the present invention is illustrated The switch lll externally comprises an elongate case or housing l2. The case l2 comprises a stem piece i3 and `a barrel portion ld, both refers-bly formed in an integral manner from a dimensionally stable resin material selected for good dielectric or insulating properties. The barrel portion tl` of the case l2 is cylindrical and is stepped to an increased di- The stern portion t3 is also cylindrical and preferably tapering away from its merger with the barrel portion lf:- and is coaxial therewith. A shaft l5, provided with an out-of-round uniform cross sectional configuration, as for example the flat lo, is provided. The shaft l5 passes axially through the barrel portion llt and the stem portion t3 but as will be seen is prevented from passing wholly through the stem t3. A cover plate ll7 closes case 'l2 at the entry of Shaft l5 and the cover plate ll includes a coaxial boss element l@ having an axial opening therethrough and the boss l@ is provided with an external thread lill. rl`he tubular boss li thus provides an elongate bearing against thrust and radial loading of the shaft l5 and mounting means for securing the switch lll to a desired instrument panel, for example, in a well-known manner. A control knob Ztl is keyed to the shaft l5 so that the shatt l5 is rotatable with rotation of the knob Ztl and is also reciprocable in accord withlineal push-pull movement of the knob Prong electrical connectors 2l, Ella, and 2lb (see FlGURES 6 and 9) extend trom the shoulder of the barrel le in a direction generally paralleling and offset from the axis of case l2. Fasteners 2,2 secure the cover l' to the barrel portion ll/t of the housing T12. From the stem i3 and coaxially therewith a Bowden wire is provided which comprises a lineally acting wire core element 23 spirally or helically overwound with an encasement and is covered with protective sheath 25. Together these core and winding elements comprise a wellknown Bowden wire control which may be ilexed as desired while not interrupting the ultimate lineal movement of the core piece 23. As will be later appreciated the core piece 23 moves lineally in accord with the lineal movement of the control knob Ztl and the corresponding movement of the shaft l5. At the end of the core piece 2? remote from the stem f3 is a connector 26, integral with or secured to the core piece 23. rthe connector 2o provides mounting means for integration with collateral equipment, as for example louver opening devices, vane control structure and the like, not shown. The threaded shank or boss E19 provides simple dash mounting means for insertion through an instrument panel (not shown) and accomplishes simple mounting of the switch ll at the 'major bearing portion. Y

From FGURE 2, cut away to reveal the core wire 23 connection to the shaft l5, and with knob Eil removed, several structural features are best portrayed. The key notch. 27 for retention of the knob Z@ is revealed near the end of the shaft l5. The opposite end of the shaft l5 is seen `to be provided with an axial opening 28 therethrough merging in a transverse relief through opening Z9. The stern i3 is also seen to be blocked by the shoulder stop forming a barrier blocking the stem cavity 5l. but for the axial opening 32 therethrough. rfhe end of the core piece Z3 passes through the opening 32, through the axial opening 29 of the shaft l5, and in upset manner extends into thetransverse through opening Hence, the stem i3 is seen to be cored by the stem cavity 3l in coaxial clearance relationship about the shaft 0n the outboard side of the barrier shoulder the stem Y ltf continues but is provided with internal shallow grooving 33 providing a cylindrical gripping surface with plural grooving mating with the helix winding of the wrapping or winding ln FlGURE 3, a transverse section through the axis of the barrel portion ld of the case l2, it is seen that the shaft l5 passes through a rotor piece 3d rotatable in the cylindrical inner recesses 35 of the barrel ld. Actually the rotor 3d is in clearance relationship with the Walls of recess 3S except as selectively stopped by radial inward projection or abutments 3d forming stops against rotation overrun of the rotor 3d. The rotor 34- is seen on the shaft l5 and is keyed to the shaft l5 by mating relationship to the flat lo. As will be appreciated, this relationship allows shaft l5 to rotate the rotor 3d and to change lineal axial position through the rotor M- while not disturbing the rotation or position of the rotor piece 3d. The rotor 34 is also formed from a good strength dielectric or insulating material and is provided with a radial recess 37 from which is radially extended a resiliently positioned contactor. Resilience is obtained by a backing spring 3S and the preferred form of the contacto-r 39 is a cylindrical roller as shown, positioned with its axis perpendicular to the radius forming the axis of the recess 37. rlhe contactor roller 39 is of electrically conductive material, as for example copper, brass, berylliumcopper or the like, selected for good electrical contact and tough or rugged service. Pairs or terminal posts lil are provided through the barrel lll of case l2 as by press fit into elongated openings therethrough. These pairs of posts or pins are selectively located in entrapping interference position with the contactor 39. The spacing as between the posts or pins itl in each pair is such as to detentably enti-ap the contactor 39 therebetween. The pins vor posts d@ are also of electrically conducting material so that through the contactor 39 an electrical circuit is closed when the contactor 3% is in centered position between a selected pair of the ypins The axis of .each of the pins di?. passes through a radius'extended from the axis of the shaft l5 and barrel tel; Closing of an electrical circuit can only occur as bridging of the contactor 39 between adjacent posts or pins dit occurs. The spacing as between adjacentl posts lll in a selected pair is less than the diameter of the contactor 39. This arrangement with the bias of 'spring 3% assures excellent detent positioning, proof against chance dislodgment but overcomeable upon manual operation of the shaft ll. By providing a radial recess il in the Wall of the cylindrical recess 35 a holding neutral postion of the `switch lll is very easily provided. This holding neutral position may be delined as adetent fof position since no pins d@ are provided for integration with selected electrical circuitry. The pins ld, as will be better appreciated, as the description proceeds, provide rivet fastening means to the connector lugs 2l, Ela and 2lb. The

fasteners 22 pass throughthe barrel 14 in providing fastening means for the cover 17. The roller contactor 39 accomplishes a line contact with each of the posts 40 in movement so that the roller 39 is assured of rolling wear and excellent contact. A`s will be appreciated, the post positions may be selected ,in accord with specific electrical circuits controlled by they switch 11.

In FIGURE 4 the rotor 34 is removed from the case 12 and the reinforcement collet-like bearing projections 43 are shown. These as will be seen project into the cavity 31 of the stem 13 and hugthe shaft 15 so as to stabilize the rotor in a true coaxial position on the shaft 15 without interference with lineal movement of the shaft 15 therethrough.

By reference to FIGURE 5 it will be seen thatl the rotor 34 is sandwiched between the cover plate 17 and the step wall 44 of the barrel 14 and that the bearing projections 43 nest in the stem cavity 33. In addition it will be seen that a shouldering upset 45 is raised radially upward from the flat 16 of the shaft 15 so as to result in interference encounter with the rotor 34 upon one extreme of lineal shaft movement. By reference to the knob 2t) the upset 45 integrally provided in the fiat 16 of the shaft 15 accomplishes stop engagement when the knob 20 is pulled outward. As will be appreciated, the abutment formed by the upset 45 does not exceed, in extension, the clearance diameter of the stem cavity 31. This is best seen in FIGURES 4 and 5. Hence, the shaft 15 is freely rotatable in the stem 13 and is limited in its axial travel in one direction by interference engagement of the upset 45 with the rotor 34.

In FIGURE 8 the collets 43 are shown in snug slip engagement with the cylindrical shoulders of the shaft 15 and the shaft 15 is shown pulled outward by the knob 20 (FIGURE l) to the point where the integral upset 45 in the shaft flat 16 abuts the rotor 34.

In FIGURE 7 stoppage of the other extreme of axial shaft movement is seen where the shaft 15 abuts the barrier thus providing a positive stop to push action in the knob 20 or shaft 15. This FIGURE 7 also shows the slight terminal bend 45, in the end of the core 23 of the Bowden wire structure allowing easy assembly of core 23 to shaft 15 by passage of the bend 46 through the barrier opening 32, through the axial opening 28 and into the transverse through opening 29 preliminary to seating the winding 24 in the stern grip 34. When the stem grip 34 is in grip relationship with the winding 24 of the Bowden wire structure, the core 23 is axially fixed and the minute upset bend 46 is adequtae to retain the core 23 in excellent interlock in the transverse opening 29 in shaft 15. This accommodates ease of assembly and disassembly only when positive removal of the winding 24 from the stem is accomplished freeing the axial alignment of the core 23 to allow the bend 46 to be threaded out of the coaxial passages 32 and 29.

By reference to FIGURE 6 the contactor 39 is shown in two positions A and B between selected pairs of pins or posts 40. These posts 40 in turn fasten to and are fasteners for the connector pieces 21, 21a and 2lb. In position A the contactor closes the schematic electrical circuit 47. In position B, the contactor 39 closes electrical circuit 48. As will be appreciated, this figure is illustrative of only one of many post-contact arrangements, but indicates the switch situation where the center connector 21 is common for two circuits. Other contact arrangements using selected bridging of adjacent contacts to effectuate selected control over specific circuits in electrical or automotive usage is contemplated and will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

By reference to FIGURE 9 the securing of the connectors 21, 21a and 2lb using the same pins or posts comprising the posts 40 within the case 12 is clearly shown. This facilitates the conduction of electricity while accomplishing excellent fastening by upset of the ends of the pins 4t).

In operation, rotational movement of the shaft 15 is not interfered with by lineal or axial movement thereof and the same is true of lineal movement not interfering with rotational movement and as a matter of fact, both movements may occur simultaneously within the bounds of the stop limits without damage or interruption with desired switch service. The housing 12 is integrally cast as by die casting or otherwise formed from resin material within very close limits at minimum expense. This is also true of the rotor piece 34. The shaft 15 is stock cross section material of good dimensional quality and is simply machined. The Bowden wire units are easily obtained from stock supplies, are terminally crimped and the core Wire 23 is easily interloclred to the shaft 15 upon seating of the helix wrapper 24. The posts 4f) are pressed or cast in position as desired and the extensions provide simple attaching means for selected connector structure. The switches incorporate integral stops against rotational overrun and lineal overextension in both push and pull directions. The switches 11 are adapted for excellent bearing support upon chassis mounting. The electrical contacting arrangement is very efiicient and the detent locating is proof against vibrational maladjustments and switch positioning is by snap or detent action feeL In automotive service of the most rugged type these switch devices have proved to be easily installed, are trouble-free and amenable to simple disconnect for repair and replacement. The manufacture of the switches thus described is simple and accurate.

While the foregoing description expresses the preferred embodiment of the present invention those skilled in the art will readily perceive improvements, modifications and adaptations of the basic device to Variant circuit usages and the like. Such improvements, modications, and adaptations are intended to be included herein limited only by the scope lof the hereinafter appended claims.

I claim:

1. A switch comprising: an elongate cylindrical case; a rotor coaxially positioned in said case; a resiliently biased contactor radially extending from said rotor; pairs of contact posts mounted in said case in an interference path for selective contact with said contactor, said contactor selectively closing selected circuits across adjacent of said posts; and a shaft coaxially mounted through said case and said rotor and being keyed to said rotor whereby said shaft is axially reciprocable while providing rotational movement to said rotor.

2. The switch combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said shaft is engageable with stop means provided on said case so as to limit the extent of axial movement of said shaft.

3. The switch combination as set forth in claim 1 wherein sai-d shaft includes mounting means for attachment to exible lineal action devices for remote control.

4. In a switch rotor structure admitting of limited lineal movement of the shaft thereof and continuing rotational control over said rotor, the combination comprising: a case; a contactor rotor piece mounted in said case, said case provided with Ian out-of-round opening axially therethrough; a shaft matingly provided through said out-of-round opening and movable axially through said rotor; and an upset integral extension provided on said shaft; and a stop provided in said case, said stop engageable with said extension upon selected axial movement of said shaft through said rotor piece.

5. A switch structure accomplishing detenting rotational selective control and axial lineal movement comprising: an elongate case and an opening axially defined through said case; a rotor in said case; a plurality of pairs of spaced-apart contactor pins located in said case parallel to and radially of the axis of said case and said rotor; a resilient biased contactor radially extending from said rotor into selected bridging Contact between selected of said pins; a shaft coaxially mounted through said rotor and said case, said shaft keyed to said rotor and axially snsfrgrrv movable in relation to said rotor and said case; and a cover coaxial with said case securing said rotor against lineal displacement and through which said shaft is movable.

6. A switch structure comprising: a case of insulating material defining rst and second connected coaxial cylindrical openings; a rotor of insulating material mounted in said irst cylindrical opening, said rotor having a resiliently biased contacter radially extending therefrom into contact with said case; plural pairs of spaced-apart Contact pins mounted in `said case, said contact pins radially arranged in said case and between which said resiliently biased contactor is selectively and detentably locatable upon rotation of said rotor; a shaft coaxially mounted through said rotor and said case, said shaft keyed to said rotor and lineally and axially movable through said rotor; stops means in said case blocking said second opening against unrestricted axial movement of said shaft; a stop abutment on said shaft engageable with said rotor and limiting unrestricted opposite axial movement of said shaft; and a mounting cover coaxially provided over one end of said case retaining said rotor against lineal movement `and through which said shaft extends.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Lemonnier: German Printed Application No. 1,036,668, August 1958.

20 BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner. 

1. A SWITCH COMPRISING: AN ELONGATE CYLINDRICAL CASE; A ROTOR COAXIALLY POSITIONED IN SAID CASE; A RESILIENTLY BIASED CONTACTOR RADIALLY EXTENDING FROM SAID ROTOR; PAIRS OF CONTACT POSTS MOUNTED IN SAID CASE IN AN INTERFERENCE PATH FOR SELECTIVE CONTACT WITH SAID CONTACTOR, SAID CONTACTOR SELECTIVELY CLOSING SELECTED CIRCUITS ACROSS ADJACENT OF SAID POSTS; AND A SHAFT COAXIALLY MOUNTED THROUGH SAID 